Mattresses and box springs go together like peanut butter and jelly. If you try to get by without one or the other, something is lacking. When you upgrade your mattress it’s essential to do the same for your foundation. Keep these things in mind when buying your new sleep set.

• Rest easy. The foundation or box spring is important because as the base of your sleep set, it takes much of the nightly wear and tear your bed has to deal with.
• Comfort from the bottom up. While most people focus on the mattress for comfort, in reality, your foundation is responsible for much of your bed’s comfort and support.
• The yin and yang of sleep. When you buy a new mattress, always buy the companion foundation. The two pieces are designed to work together as a team.

Buying a new mattress but keeping the old foundation is like buying a new car but putting the tires from your old car on it.

Much like mattresses, mattress protectors, pads and encasements are available in sizes ranging from twin and twin XL to full, queen, king and California king. They also are available for cribs: A waterproof mattress protector for the crib is a practical investment that will pay for itself. Most mattress protectors, pads and encasements are machine washable so you can keep them clean and fresh. For students heading off to college, a mattress protector is an important part of any bedding ensemble but more so when the mattress is previously owned.

So, what’s the difference between a mattress encasement and a mattress pad or protector?

Generally, an encasement has six sides and fully encloses either the mattress or box spring, usually with a zipper. Pads and protectors typically have five sides and fit over the mattress like a fitted sheet. Mattress pads tend to be thicker than protectors and can provide an extra comfort layer to the mattress.

You can also purchase toppers, which are typically a few inches thick and rest atop the mattress. Toppers can be made of memory foam, latex, quilted down or cotton, or other materials and provide additional comfort.

Many types of mattress protectors, pads, encasements and toppers are available.

Types of mattress encasements:

Mattress encasements for allergy protection

For chronic allergy sufferers, there is no better solution than a full mattress encasement and box spring encasement. There are many options that offer protection from allergens such as dust, dust mites, dead skin, pet dander and pollen. A typical mattress cover cannot prevent allergens from your mattress from coming in contact with you.

Mattress encasements for bed-bug protection

People all over the world are concerned over the growing outbreak of bedbugs. While a mattress encasement will not protect your home from a bedbug infestation, it will effectively lock bedbugs out of your sleep system. Only total encasement mattress protectors with a locking zipper provide protection against bed-bugs.

Types of mattress pads and toppers

• Fitted: A fitted pad/toppers is like a thick, fitted sheet, with a bit of quilting on the top and fitted, elastic sides to make sure that the pad does not move around.
• Anchor: Anchor pads/topper are a cheaper version, covering the top of the mattress and anchored by elastic bands in the corners. One type is called Guaranteed-to-Fit that has sidewalls that expand to accommodate variations in mattress size.
• Memory foam: One type of mattress pad/topper that provides extra cushioning is the memory foam pad; this looks like a thin mattress.
• Egg crate: A foam egg-crate style of mattress pad/topper is a less expensive option for more cushioning.
• Down: Extra softness can be achieved with a down or feather type of mattress pad/topper.
• Materials: Mattress pads/toppers are available in many types of material, such as cotton, wool, polyester, organic fabric, silk, foam, down, feathers and synthetic down.

Think feathers are all fluff? Feather and down pillows offer conformability, softness and support. The feathers used in a quality pillow are very small and highly curled. Did you know that one of these feathers is as strong as carbon fiber? They are nature’s natural spring.

Down pillows

If you want the softest, gentlest pillow, go for down. Down comes from a bird’s fluffy undercoat – think feathers without quills. Down pillows are soft, puffy and supple, and known for ultimate luxury. A popular type of down pillow is European goose down with a fill power of 600 and up. Down pillows are fluffy, light and cozy, but are not meant to provide support.

Memory foam pillows

Memory foam pillows are great because they remember you all night long. You stay comfortable because the pillow adjusts to your individual shape, which allows your shoulders, neck and head to rest in a natural position. Memory foam pillows self-adjust as you move during the night. Pillows made with memory foam come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are designed to bounce back to their original shape at different speeds.

Microbead pillows

Microbead pillows are made up of tiny beads called unexpanded polystyrene (EPS). These beads provide hard support. Travel neck pillows are usually made of microbeads.

Buckwheat pillows

Looking for something all-natural and plant-based? Buckwheat pillows are filled with husks from buckwheat seeds. They offer hard support.

Sleep apnea pillows

Are you sleeping with a CPAP machine? Sleep apnea pillows are designed to accommodate the octopus tubes and cords of the CPAP machine. This kind of pillow is made with polyester fiber fill or foam. It’s important to try out a sleep apnea pillow with your machine to make sure it is the right feel and height for your needs.

Neck pillows

Neck pillows are constructed with a baffle that’s designed to support your spine so your head and neck are positioned correctly for comfortable sleep.

Body pillows

Cuddle up to a body pillow. These long pillows (typically 54 inches) can be placed in between your legs for hip and lower back support. They’re great for snuggling up to and hugging in the night. This kind of pillow can be a life-saver during pregnancy.

Lumbar pillows

If you have lower back pain, a lumbar pillow may be just what you need. These pillows provide support just above the lumbar area, allowing the lower back to relax naturally. Ahh!

Wedge pillows

Wedge pillows have a triangular shape you can use to support different areas of your body. These pillows are made of foam, polyester fiber fill or a combination of both. They’re great for reading in bed or for propping your upper body up to help ease acid reflux. A wedge pillow can also elevate your legs and feet to help relieve the discomfort of varicose veins. Wedge pillows are perfect for pregnancy and can help prop up the belly during the second or third trimesters.